President Park Geun-hye held summit talks with Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Oct. 23 to discuss measures to extend cooperation on the energy and infrastructure industries.

The two countries agreed that more Korean firms should participate in Botswana’s National Development Plan, worth some USD 2.6 billion. This long-term development plan involves the construction of solar thermal power plants and coal-fired thermal power plants, and the installation of large networks of water pipes.




Both countries agreed to lay the foundation for bilateral cooperation on power development and renewable energy and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Under the MOU, more Korean enterprises will be able to take part in energy projects in the southern African nation, such as the construction of power generation facilities and the diversification of energy sources.

Korea and Botswana also signed an MOU on e-government cooperation which will also boost cooperation on "informatization" and people-to-people exchanges.


Prior to the summit meeting, President Khama also expressed his hope to widen economic cooperation with Korea at a forum in Seoul on Oct. 22.



“Botswana has been advocating an international, open economy,” said President Khama during a business forum hosted by the five leading Korean economic organizations: the Korean Chamber of Commerce (KOCHAM), the Korea Trade Promotion Corporation (KOTRA), the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the Korean Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Association of High Potential Enterprises of Korea.

“We hope to have more business opportunities with Korea in not only energy resources but also in broader areas, such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction and education,” he added.



President Khama’s push for economic growth can be seen in the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between KOTRA and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC).

Through the MOU, the two countries will cooperate on trade and investment by exchanging information, market research, holding exhibitions and sending trade promotional delegations, and in attracting overseas investment.

On the same day, a delegation composed of representatives of Motswana government officials and companies had a one-on-one export consultation meeting during the Korea-Botswana Business Partnership with KOTRA and KOCHAM.



President Khama received an honorary doctorate from Konkuk University on Oct. 21. President Song Heeyoung of the university said, “President Khama is a strong leader which has helped his country achieve steady economic growth and national development based on stable governance.

“Konkuk University awarded him an honorary doctorate in politics for his great contribution to improving Korea’s relationship with Africa and boosting exchanges,” said President Song.



By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Cheong Wa Dae, KOTRA, KOCHAM, Konkuk University
arete@korea.kr